Hey guys, so, I begin my TMJ story now, hope to keep a log here:
I had a really bad headache, singular, for around 8 months now. Chronic daily headache, that caused me to see a lotta doctors. THe only visible problems is my horrible bite and posture.

So, i got a FLAT mouth guard (it was around 1200$, and i heard u should use the flat ones, get the ones that move ur jaw to a comfortable position, functional orthotics?)
I brought it up to the doctor, and he said, Stop reading...

anyway, he also states he felt bad spasms and trigger points in my neck (I do have TERRIBLE neck pain and can barely turn my head) however, he was also pinching HARD

Its like when a dentist tells you your gums bleed easily after STABBING you for 10 minutes for a cleaning

Anyway, he prescribed Zanaflex.

Anyone here ever helped by a medication like a muscle relaxer for TMJ and possibly TMJ related headaches? bonus if you can tell me about an experience with this drug...

side note: doc also mentioned trigger point lidocaine therapy may be good, but i'll hold off until night guard therapy and maybe medication therapy...

I have not taken the drug you were prescribed. Many have had luck with Soma, I use Flexeril when I feel tense--The muscle relaxants are just that, they relax the muscles. If your pain is from inflammation or bone pain it may not help much.......

I take Flexeril everynight before bed. It prevents and/or gets rid of my headaches. Stretching my jaw helps also if I feel a headache coming on. I also wear a splint to bed and go for Acupuncture once a week. Hope you find pain relief soon. Hugs, Sue

I've been offered Flexeril and low-dose tricyclic antidepressants to help with the muscle spasms. I will take them when things are extremely bad, but I don't like the side effects I have when on them so I try not to. I have a couple doctors who recommended the same things so I figure they are fairly standard.

The best thing my specialist ever did for me was to refer me to a physcial therapist who is trained in trigger point releases and who helps me with my neck and body alignment.

Started the Zanaflex. I have 4mg tablets, which for the first week I have only been snapping them down the center and taking 2mg. I'll probably bump to 4mg next week.

I haven't noticed or felt a major difference, meaning no side effects. The neck pains seem lightened as well as the headaches. The difference is slight, so it may be placebo affect. This weekend when I don't have to get up for work, I'll try 4mg, since i heard it makes one drowsy.

The tinnitus is the worst part of this though. Taking a vitamin B complex everyday was helping the headaches and tinnitus. Although, lately, I started getting chest pains (BEFORE i started the zanaflex). I stopped the vitamin B and they seemed to have went away for the most part. I heard high levels of B can cause heart palpitations and whatnot...

I have a friend that does physical therapy and am trying to get a doctor to prescribe it so insurance will cover. Lastly, I'm still waiting on the mouthguard.... I really hope that makes a difference.... especially after how much it cost.

I take the generic of Robuxim or something... Muscle relaxer but more like a nerve relaxer. No side effects which I love. But how long will I need it. Yesterday no amount of these pills helped the tightness in my jaw and that band feeling that wraps around your head. Uggg